Kennicott Glacier Lake Packrafting

You’ll start off your Alaska packrafting adventure in the historic old Motherlode Powerhouse in McCarthy. There, your guide will get you geared up for the day with a neoprene top, PFD (personal flotation device), rubber boots, splash gear, and a dry bag to store your camera and extra layers. Before heading out to the lake, they’ll make sure you have all essential items for your adventure – please reference our Equipment List for more specifics.

From the Powerhouse, you’ll load into a 15-passenger van for a quick 5-10 minute drive. Your guide will lead you down a short trail (~¼ mile) to the edge of the Kennicott Lake, where your guide will prepare the packrafts! (A packraft is similar to a kayak in size, but is shaped more like a raft.) Before loading into the packraft, your guide will give you a brief but informative safety talk.

Once on the lake, it’s time for your first lesson of the day – Paddling 101! You’ll cover the proper paddle grip and tips for steering so that you can maneuver your packraft effortlessly through the lake. As you begin your journey, you’ll have a lot of time to take in the impressive sights around you. Your guide is extremely knowledgeable in the local flora, fauna, geology, and glaciology, so now is a great time to ask them questions. Take a break from paddling to listen to the sounds around you. You’ll notice the subtle sounds of the popping, creaking, and hissing of the glacier – and the not-so-subtle sounds of big splashes as the rocks on the glacial moraine fall into the water.

While you paddle, your guide will be on the lookout for opportunities to pull the packrafts onshore to take a walk around the moraine that covers the Kennicott Glacier. Now is a great time to rock hunt – rockhounds beware: you may never want to leave! As the day nears an end, your guide will navigate the group back towards the put in. From there, it’s a short hike back to the van and a quick ride back to the Powerhouse before you trade in your gear and return to your lodging.

Tipping is customary in the guiding industry and always appreciated. While our guides are paid professionals, gratuities help make guiding a sustainable career. A good guideline is 10–20% of the trip cost—typically $10–$35 per person for day trips, and 10–20% of the total cost given at the end for multi-day trips. Tips can be given in cash, via Venmo, or by card. If your trip includes a flight, please tip your pilot separately, as any pre-tips go directly to your guide.

WSENP is located in Southeast-Central Alaska, about 300mi East of Anchorage and on the Canadian border.

Limited availability – maximum 6 guests to 1 guide per time slot

Yes, you do need to bring your own lunch.

You’re welcome to reserve a Snack Pack or purchase one at our office. Due to item availability (and the remote nature of McCarthy), substitutions may occur. They typically include:

• Nuts
• Beef jerky
• Granola bar
• Candy bar
• Fruit snacks
• Fruit leather
• Rice Krispie Treat
• Snack crackers